On February 20, several Samford graphic design majors were honored at the American Advertising Awards, also known as the ADDYs, hosted by the Birmingham branch of the American Advertising Federation. The award ceremony recognizes creative works in the advertising industry, like advertising campaigns and packaging design, among students and professionals. Those who received a Gold ADDY at the Birmingham ceremony will have their work advanced to regional judging. If they are successful at regionals, they will advance to nationals.
Multiple students received a Gold Student ADDY. Junior Hope Presley received a Gold Student ADDY for a packaging series for a dog accessory brand called ZEE Dog Accessories, which she created for the project. Presley created packaging for a dog collar, harness, and leash inspired by groovy 70s aesthetics.
Junior Erin Elliot received a Gold Student ADDY for a magazine spread she created in a Samford typography class. Elliot’s magazine spread explored the rock genre of music and included an article about the famed singer, songwriter, and actor David Bowie. Elliot said that the magazine spread was one of her favorite works she’s ever created.
“So it was just really exciting and validating that it won an award, because I was personally really proud of it, but then to see that it got those sort of accreditations was really cool and validating,” Elliot stated.
Junior Kathryn Lancaster received 2 Silver Student ADDYs, one for poster design and another for logo design. For her poster design, Lancaster created a nostalgic quote poster inspired by the PBS show Arthur and retro library technology using non-digital typography, like stamps. For her logo design, she created a logo for an imagined interior design company called Kaleidoscope Interior Design. The logo was inspired by the color and geometrical design of a Kaleidoscope.
“Anytime I get recognition for my art is very encouraging to me since this is something that I’ve worked on for many years,” Lancaster said.
Fourth-year student Kendall Lane also received a Silver Student ADDY for a CD design based on the song “The Porch”, by Indie Rock band Cardinal Bloom. Lane’s recognition at the ADDYs led her professors to encourage her to send a photo of her CD design to Cardinal Bloom. Not only did the band appreciate her work, but Lane is also now creating a real design for the band to use.
The ceremony was held at The Club, an upscale, private dining experience in Birmingham that has been open for over 70 years. Students received dinner before the awards ceremony and an opportunity to network with professionals.
“It was really fun to go and experience,” Elliot stated, “It was super exciting to go and celebrate with all of my friends, be in our fancy dresses, and show off our awards.”
Staff Reporter
